The Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed a request by Sahara Reporters publisher and African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, to adjourn his ongoing defamation trial until after the court's annual vacation. Justice Mohammed Umar rejected the application, filed by Sowore's lawyer, Reuben Adakole, and instead ordered the trial to continue on July 16.
Background of the case
The Department of State Services (DSS) is prosecuting Sowore on charges of criminal defamation, cyberstalking, and incitement. The charges stem from social media posts on X and Facebook in which Sowore allegedly referred to President Bola Tinubu as “a criminal.” Sowore has denied the allegations.
Opposition to adjournment
During Monday's proceedings, DSS counsel Akinlolu Kehinde (SAN) opposed the adjournment request, arguing that the case had already experienced several delays at the defendant's request. He reminded the court that it had earlier ordered an accelerated, day-to-day hearing under the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015, making a lengthy adjournment inappropriate.
Court's ruling
In his ruling, Justice Umar held that granting the application would conflict with the existing order for an expedited trial. He directed Sowore to return to court on July 16 for the continuation of his defence.
Defence witness testimony
Meanwhile, Sowore's first defence witness, lawyer and activist Deji Adeyanju, continued his testimony. Adeyanju told the court that President Tinubu had previously stated during an official visit to Benue State that Nigerians have the right to criticise, insult, and call him names as part of democratic freedoms. Adeyanju said the President also urged law enforcement agencies to respect citizens' rights and stressed that the judiciary should protect the public rather than be used to suppress critics. Video footage of the President making the remarks, which had earlier been admitted as evidence, was played in open court.
Cross-examination
Under cross-examination, Adeyanju confirmed that he had previously served as one of Sowore's lawyers but is no longer part of his legal team. He also acknowledged making comments on social media about arrests and prosecutions based on his general experience but agreed that President Tinubu had also maintained that the law should take its course whenever offences are committed.
